Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

Michael

in stone arches and vaulted ceilings, then brain-cells line

back, but when I listen, there is a faint clatter of movement from

at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better

Her father…

Christ…

her cheeks are brushed with the palest of

Babe…

over the line of high cheekbones

stranger who looked out at me for the last few days, but my beautiful wife; my copper-haired, emerald-eyed,

to touch me,

face, “How are

“I’m fine. Really, I’m fine now.

well to learning what you did.” Tracing a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no

gaze, she bobs her

a better state than that if you really want to get

a whisper. “Is that

That’s what I said when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long

curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck and shoulder.

I never will go away…” She sighs. “And

“You mean you

don’t imagine James and I share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He might be

James

bolt upright. “God,

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

Twenty-Six Years Ago

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